We've finally managed to wrap up most of the big things on our house. During the last week we made a big push and got some floating shelving with lighting installed in the kitchen, as well as some hanging Plumen lights for general lighting. I took a few minutes yesterday to take some photos of the (almost) finished project, and I thought it was a good time to share some before and after photos.

While Eames Demetrios is probably best known for being the grandson of Charles Eames, for those that know him, there's much more to him than a good bloodline. Not only is Eames one of the nicest guys I've met, he has the same creativity and talent of his grandfather. But this geographer at large focuses this creativity in a very different way. Enter the parallel universe of Kcymaerxthaere. So what is Kcymaerxthaere? You just need to watch this video to get it.

Done?

Good. Now that we are on the same page, let me introduce you to the latest Kcy project. Please DON'T connect the dots. An activity book to compliment the disputedlikeness.com website. Again, just watch the video.

Get it? Good. Now, who can you think of that needs a stocking stuffer? Help support this latest adventure by buying a book (or 4!) on indiegogo.

I've been fighting the wallet overload for a long time. I keep my wallet in my front pocket, and it's constantly a battle to try and keep it as slim as possible. Problem is there are just too many cards I "need" to carry. That's why I'm so excited about Coin. It's seriously one of the most genius ideas I've heard in a long time. One card that carries all the info of all your cards. Don't get it? Just watch the video, and preorder yours now.

There are a few things that, when combined right, result in undeniably good design. Authentic materials like wood and copper, thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Throw a triangle in there somewhere, and you have a home run. Damm Designs Theorem lamp scores on all accounts, and like all of their lamps, it's handmade in the USA.

I've never heard of a French-Mexican furniture company before, but if this is really a thing, and it's as good as the designs by León León, count me a huge fan.

León León was started in Mexico City in 2011 and draws inspiration from the classic Acapulco chair. The collection includes furniture, lighting and some fantastic bright pillows. The designs are heavily influenced by color and pattern, and each piece is handmade and has a wonderful modern / folk feeling. Alexander Girard would be proud.

Many of my regular readers may be wondering what the heck I've been up to. It's been a harried past couple of months, full of big life changes. Now that things are starting to slow down I'm ready to give an update.

First off, I'm now officially an Austinite! There was a pretty short list of places I would leave SLC for, and Austin was one of them. So is it as awesome as everyone says it is? Yep. Pretty much. That is if you are into the whole delicious food, amazing bars, great people, sort of thing. I've been charging through all the hot spots and finding my favorites. It's a long list.

Second, after 10 years in healthcare I'm finally following my dreams and getting into real estate. As of last week, I'm officially a licensed real estate agent in the state of Texas. Yeee haaaaww! I plan on specializing in modern and mid century modern homes in the Austin area, so if you know someone looking to buy or sell send them my way.

I fully admit to having a total soft spot in my heart for Studio DUNN. In fact they are one of few modern americana studio's that I actually own a piece from. As much as I love their furniture though, it was their lighting that first caught my eye. I'm happy to report that they look to be making a strong push back into the lighting world this year with two new designs.

The Radiata (above) was inspired by a jellyfish of the same name, and I think looks especially amazing with the smoked grey glass. The Sorenthia (below) is made of steel and brass, it's delicate arms look particularly nice when grouped together.

Portland based PHLOEM STUDIO is making their debut appearance at ICFF this year, and they are going big. I've always loved the stuff that they have made, but this year they look to be absolutely killing it.

I'm especially fond of the Peninsula Chair that they collaborated on with Wood & Faulk. The leather sling and brass and wood details are spot on. It's nice to see some more bespoke details like that in the furniture world.

Needless to say, I'm expecting lot's of great things from these guys in the future.

ICFF 2013 is just around the corner. Unfortunately this year I won't be able to make it, although I will be sending a friend in my place. In the meantime, all the exciting ICFF news is already starting to fill up my inbox. Volk has always been one of my favorites, and this year they are doing some exciting pieces that incorporate hand painting.

I've had no shortage of huge life changing events in my life in the last 6 months, almost all of which I've neglected to share online. First, and most important, I'm getting married (yay!) in June. Second, I'm moving to Austin (what!!) in July. I'm hoping I'll get around to sharing the backstory about everything eventually and how absolutely elated I am with the way my life is going. For now, just know I'm happy and living the life I've always wanted.

Thrown in with all these life events came the announcement that our lease in the house my girlfriend and I were renting was up, and our landlord wasn't letting us renew. That left us essentially homeless for the last 2 1/2 months we'd be in SLC. Luckily we were able to get a very short term lease in Patrick Lofts, where I was living before I moved in with my girlfriend. I suppose it's fitting that the place we met is the place we'll be in when we leave SLC.

After a flurry of moving and giving things away we did manage to get settled into the new place. Above is a teaser shot of our fancy new (1964) Milo Baughman sofa we picked up for $600, and some of our art. The 13' ceiling and huge curved wall are perfect for wall hanging art.*

Locals, join me and my little family and friends this Saturday for a fantastic DJ Dance Party.

A kids DJ Dance party that is, complete with craft projects inside an awesome renovated airstream, hot dogs for the kids, and BYOB for the parents. Seriously, can you think of a better way to spend time with the family on a Saturday evening?

I'm absolutely humbled (and elated) to have gotten a mention in City Weekly as part of their 2013 "Best Of". It seems somehow amongst all the amazing talent in Salt Lake City they decided that I was deserving of the "Best Eye for Design" award.

It really means a lot to me, now more than ever, because of all the really great design that is happening in Salt Lake right now. I feel like the amount of talent here has skyrocketed in the last 5 years or so. In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to share with everyone some of my local favorites in the design world (in no particular order). All these people are not only huge design influences, but also really, really great people and some of my dearest friends. Support them.

Yeah, they are a pretty impressive group, and that's just a few of my "design" friends that have websites I can link to. Don't even get me started on "foodie" friends, or all the other "kick ass" friends. There seriously isn't enough room to include everyone in this town that is dear to me. Hugs SLC.

I've been a big fan of the guys from Furni for a really long time, so it's exciting to see that they still have some great new products coming out. The latest is this gorgeous Kendall Portable Speaker. This thing may look old school, but it's got bluetooth, and an accessory audio jack, lithium batteries or a wall plug, and 2 shielded speaker for your favorite tunes. Coming April 1.

One thing is for sure. There is no such thing as too many good looking bottle openers. So here is another one to add to your "want" list. Designed by Bec Brittain and available through Sight Unseen, the Penta Hex bottle opener is everything a good bottle opener should be; gorgeous and functional. Get your before it's too late.

Watches are dangerous. Sort of like bags, shoes, bottle openers and so many other things that I just want to collect for no apparent reason at all. Aark watches appear to be extra bad, because I want one of each of them. While they do have quite a few very classic looking ones that I really wouldn't mind having, my eye was particularly drawn to these more playful colors.